Kidney takes reins at Leinster

CONFIRMATION of Declan Kidney's appointment as Leinster coach in succession to Gary Ella came yesterday.

This hopefully ends a saga that has gone on and on since the IRFU announced they would not be renewing his contract as assistant to Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

Family considerations were the priority when Kidney was deciding whether to remain with Gwent Dragons or accept a position here at home. Last night he expressed his appreciation to everybody at the Welsh club for the manner in which they accepted the situation.